Charts: Hgt500 And Wind Streams.

[PeggySue]

Hi,

I note that Hgt500 + SLP is often used for the model summaries. I understand from the guides what the measures are but what is the chart used for? What does it tell us?

Also I don't understand the subtleties of the wind stream chart. At first glance I thought the streams were wind isopleths but comparing the 06Z charts for today I see that, SW of Ireland, the streams are very close together but the barbs show a 10 Knot wind. I think I am missing something.

Many thanks.